He acknowledged her as she approached, vaguely listening to her excited chatter about some play. He and Emma exchanged final glances when she looked back. For a moment her expression was hard to read, the look in her soft eyes almost accusing when they moved back and forth between him and Melissa. At that moment Mike realized what he saw shimmering in those wounded depths.
Disappointment coupled with angry disapproval. Before he could begin to guess at what he’d done, she turned and left the dugout.
Chapter 4
“So, Mom, did you meet anyone at the picnic the other day who, ah, piqued your interest any?”
Emma wondered when Amanda would get around to asking her that particular question. She couldn’t stop a smile of amusement from spreading across her face before answering. “Well, I know a lot of people from around these parts but I did see a couple of new faces. Pam Wells and her family just moved here from Ohio and Stacy—”
“Okay, okay! You know what I mean,” she interrupted, with mild annoyance in her tone. “Men, did you meet anyone who you thought was, ah, kind of interesting? Or…
Sexy?”
Was that hope Emma detected in her tone? Mike’s face immediately flashed before her but she quickly brushed thoughts of him aside now that she knew he was unattainable. Recalling how hurt she’d been after finding out about Richard’s two timing ways, she knew there was no way she’d put another woman through that. She liked to think her scruples were set at a higher standard.
She set the speed for the treadmill faster until she was forced to break into a mild jog, glad Amanda had talked her into joining the health club. It was something they could do together four times a week and she was already beginning to feel the rewards of her hard work. It was never too late to firm up certain places that had begun to get a little too soft.
“Aren’t you going to answer me?” Jogging at a full run, she puffed lightly between each word, her speed making Emma’s look more like a fast walk.
Emma decided to play stupid. “I think Troy’s kind of sexy.” She quickly turned her head so her sister wouldn’t see her smile.
Over the noise of the machines, the upbeat music the aerobic instructor was teaching a class of twelve to, and the sound of huffing and puffing that echoed throughout the room, Emma still detected the annoyed tsk Amanda released.
“What’s wrong?” she asked innocently. Amanda only glared at her, punching in the number to gain even more speed. Emma didn’t know how she did it. If she tried to set her machine that fast, she’d end up going through the wall behind her. During the silence that followed, she glanced at the mirror directly across from them, frowning slightly at the way she looked in her workout clothes while trying to pretend she wasn’t the only woman in there who was over dressed.
Maybe she’d been too quick in shooting down Amanda’s idea of buying a new gym outfit. Her old pair of sweats covered her from neck to foot and was so baggy she looked like a dirty snowman on the verge of melting. Her hair was pulled back in a ponytail that became more undone with every step she took. What’s more, the stretch hair band that had started out around the top of her forehead had slipped down until it covered her eyebrows. In spite of that, there was no way she was going to let go of the handlebars to push it back up.
Not a very attractive sight, Emma thought, glancing away from her reflection. She wondered how long it would take to work off a few extra pounds before the holidays so she could put them back on again. Not that she had anyone to impress. Thoughts of Mike were quickly pushed to the back of her mind again. Why couldn’t she get the blasted man out of her head? That was easy, because she was attracted to him, that’s why. The first man to pique her interest since her divorce and he was married.
“Oh, I almost forgot, there’s a Halloween party Friday night at the community center in Troy’s apartment complex. They put one on every year and the only requirements are that everyone comes in costume and brings something to eat or drink.”
Emma raised a brow. “How come all of a sudden you’re inviting me to all these community events? I’ve been doing just fine on my own.”
“Staying at home and dog sitting for the neighbors,” Amanda cut in, reaching for the towel around her neck and wiping her brow. “I figured it was time someone took over to get you out before it’s too late and you die an old maid.”
“I was getting out,” Emma insisted, ignoring the rest of her remark. “And I certainly don’t need anyone handling my social calendar, little sister.”
Amanda laughed. “What social calendar? By getting out if you mean grocery shopping twice a month…”
“Once a week,” Emma corrected with humor.
Rolling her eyes, Amanda changed the subject. “You had a good time at the picnic, didn’t you?”
Right up until she realized Mike was married. After she left the dugout that day she’d stuck like glue to the unattached ladies in the group, some of them old enough to be her mother. The only other time she saw Mike was from a distance and he’d been involved with his daughter and a group of her friends. She supposed his wife was somewhere out there too and was secretly glad she hadn’t seen them together.
“For the most part.” Seeing the light of determination fill Amanda’s eyes, Emma realized this was just another one of those times when she wasn’t going to give in. She sighed heavily, smiling in spite of herself, already thinking about what she could wear to a costume party.
All at once the sweatband slipped over her eyes, blinding her. Swearing beneath her breath, she made the mistake of releasing the handles to fix it. At the speed she was going there was no way to prevent herself from flying backward to the end of the treadmill. She flew right off, and just when she expected to feel the wall against her backside, a pair of arms and a hard body got in the way.
“Oh!” she cried out with embarrassed surprise.
“I got ya, sweetheart!” The man’s voice boomed throughout the center as though he were yelling through a microphone.
“Thank you,” she gasped, quickly pushing the sweatband over her eyes so she could see again. She peered into the man’s large, square-jawed face, struggling out of his massive arms as fast as she could. Catching a glimpse of herself in the mirror, she hastily yanked her sweatshirt down where it had ridden up, exposing her midriff. And that’s when her gaze fell on Mike.
For a moment Emma froze, literally, the breath locking in her throat. Maybe with a little luck he wouldn’t recognize her.
* * * *
If Hugh O’Callaghan’s booming voice hadn’t caught Mike’s attention, recognizing Emma’s soft, startled sound of gratitude would have, even over the noise in the room, making him wonder if he’d been unconsciously looking for her. The last time he saw her she’d been walking back to her car the day of the picnic, late in the afternoon when the last rays of the sun had captured the auburn highlights in her hair. He’d been thinking about her ever since.
Now here she was, looking like a fish out of water in ancient sweats and a purple sweatband he suspected was really a hair band. He noticed the damp patches and the way her hair was clinging to her neck, realizing she’d been working out for awhile. Though right now she was looking up at Hugh with incredibly huge eyes, while his Hercules style body dwarfed over her slight frame. Mike fought down the stab of jealousy shooting through him from seeing her in the arms of another man, no matter how innocent.
He wondered what excuse he could come up with to arrest Hugh, something that would stick. Better yet, maybe he should just lock Emma up and toss away the key. He’d been a member of the health club for a year, so how come he’d never noticed her there before? His lips spread into a gradual smile when he noticed her flustered state and the fact she couldn’t take her eyes off him. The only thing keeping him from marching across the room and doing something about it was Melissa.
Raising a teenager these days was a responsibility no one truly understood unless they were in the same shoes. Raising one alone was a nightmare. Mike though
t that so far he was doing a fairly decent job of it because he was staying focused, which meant not pursuing certain wants in life he might have. No matter how attractive he found Emma, he didn’t have time to pursue a relationship or anything else that might interfere with his number one priority.
He took a deep breath, realizing she was too cute to ignore. He could at least acknowledge her. Nevertheless, all he did was nod before breaking eye contact and turning away to head for the men’s locker room. He’d promised to take Melissa shopping for a Halloween costume and nothing was going to keep him from it. Including sexy Emma Stuart.
* * * *
Emma scrutinized her reflection in the full-length mirror, shaking her head. The gold sequined outfit was a lot more revealing than she first thought. The fact that she’d waited until the last minute to hit the costume store was her own darn fault. By the time she’d made it to the Fantasy Palace, she was left with a choice of going as a carrot, a half naked Eve which only included three strategically placed leaves, or a harem dancer. It seemed everyone in town was either going to this or another Halloween party.
Now here she was, hiding out in the ladies restroom because she was too afraid of joining the party. She looked at her coat where it hung on the rack with the others, debating on putting it back on and just going home. She doubted she’d be missed. She glanced back to the mirror, her eyes moving critically over her costumed body. Too much cleavage, too much midriff, too much everything was exposed, leaving her with a feeling of vulnerability because she’d never been the adventurous type.
She tried to pull the bottoms up but they were designed to fall below the hips, revealing her bellybutton. There were yards and yards of gold fabric but the problem was it was mostly sheer. The only thing keeping her from being indecent was the wide band of satin covering her breasts and bottom. Completing the outfit was a pair of gold satin slippers.
The party sounded like it was in full swing, if the noise filtering through the door was any indication. Loud music and the roar of laughter revealed she was missing out on a good time. She peered at herself one last time, arranging the veil over the lower half of her face before covering her eyes with a gold sequin mask. At least no one would be able to tell who she was, unless they happened to recognize the tiny mole just above her bellybutton. She laughed at the thought. There’s no way that was possible because she wasn’t in the habit of wearing revealing clothing, including her one-piece swim suits.
It was now or never. Taking a deep breath for courage, she swung the door open and stepped into the hallway. It was pitch black but for the flashing light at the end of it prompting her to go in that direction. She followed it until she came to an open doorway, which led into the large, main room of the community center. For a moment she paused, adjusting her eyes to the darkness of the room and the blinking disco lights. It wasn’t until someone opened the outside door that she realized all the windows had been blackened out. It was the only time she was allowed a decent view of the room and the occupants before everything went dark again.
It looked like there were at least a hundred ghouls and goblins dancing about, but Emma was only looking for one costumed dancer. Finding Amanda in the mix of so much commotion was going to be like looking for a needle in a haystack. The party was already bordering on the wild side. People were dancing crazily all over the place; women were running and squealing with feigned fright while being chased throughout the room by laughing, costumed counterparts. She quickly recognized Batman and Catwoman racing by, followed by Tarzan and Jane.
A group was standing in line for their chance to bob for apples while others were playing pass the orange and musical chairs. A large orange pumpkin dangled from the ceiling, swinging wildly as a blindfolded witch tried to knock it down with a broom. Emma began to move through the room unhurriedly, forgetting all about her skimpy attire once her gaze fell on some of the more outrageous costumes. Some were body suits designed to make the wearer look naked. Grinning at their boldness, she began to search for Lady Marian.
* * * *
Mike was at the refreshment table, leaning his hip casually against it while enjoying a cup of laced punch when his eyes lit on the harem dancer in the midst of the dancers on the floor. The lights on the ceiling above caught the gold sequins lining the satin of her bodice and waistband of her harem pants, momentarily casting an enchanting glow over the woman who made him think of fairies and angels.
His eyes narrowed on the woman as she slowly moved through the crowd, sensing she was searching for someone. Probably her date because why would a woman with a body like hers be there by herself? He was glad for a change to see a woman who wasn’t afraid to look like a woman. The ultra-thin types had never whetted his appetite. As she glided closer he couldn’t help thinking there was something vaguely familiar about her. The color of her hair, what he could see of it, looked familiar, and the graceful way she moved.
His gaze lingered a moment on hers and the visible portion of her face behind the veil, before falling to her cleavage and the gentle swell of her bosom over the edge of her top. Nice, he mused to himself, more than a handful. His gaze continued down to her slim waist, taking in her bellybutton before gliding over the curve of her hips and slender legs. The sheer material of her costume was tied at her ankles and wrists, revealing and concealing at the same time. She had the kind of curves that demanded attention from a man and he was no exception.
Still, something about her nagged at him. Swallowing the rest of his drink, he reached behind him and set the empty cup on the table. He folded his arms, cocking his head slightly as he tried to figure out what it was. When the mysterious beauty reached behind her to give her pants a sharp pull, the action triggered a not too distant memory. And that’s when Mike knew he was looking at Emma.
A slow grin spread across his face, as he looked her over with newfound awareness. He would never have pegged Emma for the harem girl type. He was glad his Zorro mask concealed his identity, hoping his silent scrutiny would go unnoticed, especially when she halted within a foot of him. However, he didn’t have to worry because they hadn’t made eye contact yet. In fact, her eyes were everywhere but on him.
He decided to rectify that immediately. “Looking for someone?” He could see the white of her smile through the veil and coupled with the direct contact of those smoky eyes, it was enough to steal his breath away. She had no idea how appealing she appeared to him at that very moment, how hungry she made him. And Mike knew he was in big trouble.
Chapter 5
Emma caught her breath, recognizing Mike the second she heard the deep timbre of his sexy voice. He made a hunky Zorro, dressed all in black in a costume that fit his tall, powerful body like it was tailored especially for him. She’d seen him watching her while she crossed the room, ignoring him on purpose because she hadn’t wanted to encourage any unwelcome attention. Now that she knew who he was, she couldn’t take her eyes off him.
He was what dreams were made of, the handsome hero disguised in a black mask, his steely eyes doing all his talking for him as he leaned insolently against the table with that wolfish grin. The bad boy every woman secretly yearns for. He had to know how he affected women with his mysterious presence. Goodness, she all but placed her hand over her pounding heart. What was wrong with her? It took effort to remind herself he was married.
She was about to step away when a dancer bumped into her backside, causing her to fly directly into Mike’s arms. “Oh!” she gasped, throwing her head back to meet his eyes just as his strong hands curled around the fleshy part of her arms, catching her against him. Their bodies were flush, and suddenly it seemed like they were sharing every breath, every heart beat as they stared intently into each other’s eyes.
Emma felt warm heat spread throughout her body, a heat that had nothing to do with the hot disco lights glaring overhead. Time seemed to stand still. She couldn’t pull her gaze away from his, too caught up in the spell of the moment and feeling way too much in his strong
arms, experiencing way too much sensation against his hard body. She was old enough to realize the flow of heat pooling in the lower half of her body was the result of sharp and instant arousal. She tried to ignore the tingling in her nipples as they tightened against his chest, wetting her lips to issue an apology. However, the only thing that came out was a noise that sounded very much like a purr of surrender, a sound of betrayal if she ever heard one.
“Mike,” she began, in a breathless tone that revealed her emotions. She was unable to finish, her body trembling on a sudden wave of weakness. Certain her knees were going to give way, she struggled to put the brakes on the obvious signs of what being in his arms was doing to her. “Please…” she began, intending to ask him to let her go, but there was no denying the invitation she heard in her own voice.
Mike’s eyes darkened with desire; he didn’t want to let Emma go. He’d known he was attracted to her from the start, but he wasn’t prepared for the instant results she produced every time she touched him in some way. Even innocently, only this was hardly innocent. He felt every inch of her. His hands tightened around her arms, a low groan locking in his throat.
The very air around them seemed electrified. He didn’t want to feel the attraction, yet he was powerless to push her away. Instead, he was acting like an adolescent discovering what sex was all about for the first time. Hell, he was breaking out in a sweat! Her sweet scent and softness was more than any mortal could bear.
Kiss Me Page 4
